I started playing percussion at my fathers knee, hearing the music of the Latin Jazz greats during my early years; Stan Kenton, Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Cal Tjader, Machito. My father was a student of percussionist Mike Pacheco, and played with Jazz artists in the LA area. This was my first exposure to the drums. I have been a student of percussion for about 30 years now. I've studied various styles and have been greatly influenced by my teachers and colleagues. Among my teachers are percussionists Alex Acuna (Weather Report, Chick Correa, U2), Carlinhos de Oliveira (Brazilian Master Percussionist), Fermin Nani (Escuela National de Danza Moderna y Folklorico de Cuba), Carlos Aldama (formerly of Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba), Roberto Viscaino (Chucho Valdez), Alberto Ferbst Rodrigues.
I also include composer, educator, and keyboard player Bailey Matsuda. I did not receive formal training from Bailey, but worked very closely with him in many musical settings, and learned a lot about using space, texture, and color.
Although I've traveled to Cuba in order to study the roots of the music first taught to me by my father, I do not consider myself a "latin percussionist." I use elements learned from my teachers and blend what they have given me with my own approach to the art form. These are sounds to be used like colors in the hands of a painter, the music being a canvas.
In 1984 I traveled to Hawaii and for 12 years I worked with many Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian musicians. I have been influenced by these artists as well. Hawaii is truly a musical place. I was startled to find, upon my return to California, that playing ethnic percussion in Los Angeles in non-latin settings is still considered to be unusual. In Hawaiian culture percussion plays an important role. I was fortunate to be welcomed into the lives, and art, of some special people in the islands. Though I will list some of these artists at the end of my bio, I must mention two Hawaiians in particular; Henry Kapono and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (known to many as "IZ"). I worked for several years with both artists, and each time I walk on stage I take with me lessons learned from these men.
The tradition which began with my father is now being passed on to my children, and into the future. I continue along the journey.
Here is a brief list of some of the artists I've recorded or played live with:
Ala Nui (My Group)
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (IZ )
Raven O
The Pagan Babies (World Beat Band)
Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (Conductor: Yoshiyuki Kozu)
Cabaseke (International Percussion Ensemble)
Kenny Endo (Taiko Master)
Youki Kudoh (Japan Film and Recording Artist)
Anri (Japan Recording Artist)
Michael Paulo
Toots Thielmans
Casiopea (Japan Jazz Fusion Group)
Anthony Jackson (Paul Simon)
Steve Ferrone (Eric Clapton)
Rique Pantoja (Evan Linns)
Carlinhos de Oliveira
Charo
Cecilio & Kapono
John Cruz
Don Tiki
Kapono Beamer
Keola Beamer
Cyril Pahinui
Maricio Smith
Imelda Papin
Brother Noland
Del Beazley
Teresa Bright
Glenn Medeiros
Pauline Wilson (Seawind)
Gaylord Holomalia
Mel Amina
Analu Aina
Hawaiian Style Band
Ka'au Crater Boys
Ohta San
Fiji
Tris Imboden (Chicago)
Malik Sow (Master Drummer- Senegal)